María Branyas, an American who lived to 117, had cells 17 years younger, and her DNA contained genes associated with a stronger immune system, protection against heart disease, and a reduced risk of cancer, researchers explained.

Born in the United States in 1907 and moved to Catalonia shortly after, Branyas experienced firsthand many of the major historical events of the 20th century. Despite this journey marked by global crises, she remained lucid and active until her final months, defying conventional expectations about cognitive aging, they explain.

Researchers from the Josep Carreras Leukemia Institute and the University of Barcelona, ​​led by geneticist Manel Esteller, conducted an exhaustive study, which revealed that the supercentenarian displayed a much younger biological age than her actual chronological age, and this occurred in all three different tissues analyzed.

One of the most surprising findings was her gut microbiome, which exhibited characteristics similar to those of a baby. This discovery is particularly relevant, as gut microorganisms influence crucial aspects such as inflammation, cognition, and bone and muscle health.

The research also explains that Branyas followed a Mediterranean diet and maintained an active social life, constantly surrounding herself with her family, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and enjoying regular walks.

Her metabolism was highly efficient, with low levels of bad cholesterol and high levels of good cholesterol, in addition to maintaining low levels of inflammation, which protected her against multiple health problems.

As a supercentenarian—a term applied to those who live past 110, a milestone achieved by only one in ten centenarians—Branyas’s case is especially valuable for research and provides crucial information for the development of treatments for age-related diseases, the authors emphasize.

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